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Help To Buy ISA vs Lifetime ISA
The Lifetime ISA offers clear advantages over the Help to Buy ISA for first-time buyers, so long as you meet the criteria. Here we explain everything you need to know about both schemes and what to consider in deciding the best option for you.
What is the Help to Buy ISA?
- The Help to Buy ISA is only available to first-time buyers aged 16 and over.
- For every £200 deposited into the account, the government will add £50. That's an extra 25% of tax-free savings.
- You can make a deposit of £1,000 when you open an account. There is no minimum monthly deposit – but the maximum amount you can save a month is £200
- To get the bonus you need to have saved a minimum of £1,600. The maximum bonus you can receive is £3000 (for which you would have saved £12,000)
- The scheme launched on 1 December 2015. It will close to new entrants from 30 November 2019 and the bonus must be claimed, through the purchase of a property, by 1 December 2030
- You will earn interest on your savings, so shop around for the best account from different banks and building societies, but you will not earn interest on the government bonus as this is only paid to you when you purchase a property.
- The cost of the home must not exceed £250,000 unless the property is in London, where the limit is £450,000. It cannot be used to purchase a buy-to-let property, but it can be used on older homes as well as new build.
- You can transfer money saved in a Help to Buy ISA before April 2017 into a Lifetime ISA by 5 April 2018 without affecting your Lifetime ISA allowance for that year (see below to understand whether this is the right option for you).
What is the Lifetime ISA (LISA) and what are the advantages?
- The Lifetime ISA launched in April 2017 and allows you to earn a 25% bonus for savings spent on either a deposit for a home or towards a pension income in retirement.
- As well as offering two options for how you use your savings and government bonus, the Lifetime ISA has several other major advantages over the Help to Buy ISA.
- It allows you to save much more than the Help to Buy ISA. You can save up to £4,000 per year and the maximum bonus you can earn is £32,000.
- Unlike the Help to Buy ISA, the government bonus is earned annually so you can earn interest on this sum as well as your own savings.
- You can use it to buy any home (not just new builds) worth up to £450,000 or towards your pension income after you reach 60.
- You can pay in lump sums whereas the Help to Buy ISA only allows you to contribute monthly.
- BUT it is only open to those aged 18-39.
- The earliest you could withdraw you savings to buy a house and still receive your bonus is April 2018 as it must have been open for a year to qualify for the government contribution
Which should I choose?
- If you are aged 18-39 and an aspiring first-time buyer, the Lifetime ISA is a clear winner over the Help to Buy ISA. But if you are ready to start saving you might as well start now with the Help to Buy ISA and transfer it later (see below) so that you don't miss out on valuable bonus payments.
- If you are under 18 or 40 or over then the Help to Buy ISA is still your only option. (You can open a Help to Buy ISA from the age of 16, so parents might want to consider paying into this for their teenage children).
What about for pensions?
- Help to Buy can't be used for retirement saving. Whether or not the LISA is a better option than a pension is much more complicated to work out and beyond the scope of HomeOwners Alliance. We would encourage you to do plenty of research on how best to save for your retirement and, if you need more help, speak to an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). The Pensions Advisory Service may be able to help you find the information you need (0300 123 1047 or www.pensionasdvisoryservice.org.uk).
Transferring a Help to Buy ISA into a LISA
- If you plan to transfer money saved into a Help to Buy ISA before April 2017 into a LISA, you must do so before 5 April 2018 in order to qualify for the government bonus on this sum and not impact on your annual LISA limit for the year.
- You can hold a Help to Buy ISA and a LISA. If you hold both you can only use the government bonus towards buying a house via one of the accounts.
- After buying a house you can continue saving towards your retirement in a LISA.
How do I get the bonus?
- If you don't buy a home you won't get the bonus on the Help to Buy ISA.
- On the LISA, if you don't buy a home you can still get the bonus when you reach age 60 as it is also intended to be a vehicle to save towards retirement.
- When the Help to Buy ISA or LISA is used to buy a home, any cash bonus you have qualified for will be paid straight to your conveyancing solicitor when you buy the property.
- Let your conveyancing solicitor know you are buying with a Help to Buy ISA or LISA as they may levy a charge for the administration work involved.
Can my partner and I both get one?
- Accounts are available one per person – so couples or friends buying together could each get a bonus.
Can I use the government bonus towards a deposit on a property?
- With the Lifetime ISA, yes you can. You'll receive the bonus before exchange of contracts. With the Help to Buy ISA however the bonus is not received until after completion.
A word of warning:
- If you don't buy a home with your Help to Buy ISA you won't get a bonus.
- BUT if you don't buy a home with your LISA and need to withdraw the money before you are 60 the situation is much worse. You will have to pay back the government bonus that has been paid to you annually.
- It is also worth noting that there is no guarantee that future governments will maintain these offers, meaning there could be a risk to bonuses.
What happens if the house I am buying with my ISA falls through?
- The bonus will be handled by your solicitor or conveyancer who applies for the bonus on your behalf. If the purchase falls through, your conveyancing solicitor would have to ensure the bonus is paid back.
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Lot 5 Kingsford Court
Property Information
Property Details
Listing Company: Keller Williams Seneca
|Price $37,500
|Lot Size 2.210 Acres
Listing Company: Keller Williams Seneca
Listing Agent: Patti & Gary Cason Group
Lovely Westwood Bay lot that touches the water. Slip #8 is assigned to this lot. There is a transfer fee for new home owners in Westwood Bay of $1,000 (Goldsmith is the property manager at 864-297-4970). The 2016 POA is $653+- and the boat slip is $600+-. Please verify. James Junior Laney (J.J.) of JJ Landscaping is the contact for lot clearing. 864-637-9199.
Community Location
Click here to enlarge and view driving directions.

subset: commoncrawl


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When the Houston Texans battle the Chicago Bears on Sunday they shall be in a condition relative to their two superb athletes who have been recently activated from the physically unable to perform list: defensive end J.J. Watt and offensive tackle Derek Newton.
Despite undergoing an injury-plagued season, where NFL fans saw J.J. Watt meander with a broken hand, and later on suffered a groin injury, he was still able to garner for himself a solid PFF grade of 93.8.
ALSO READ: Obama sides with Kaepernick, says 'that's how democracy works'
J.J. Watt is a true competitor, whose speed is seen as a major problem for blockers considering his size. He's the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 3 out of the last 4 seasons, and his return is a manifestation of his supreme drive to become the best.
It's what makes him the only defensive player who truly might have a chance of winning the NFL's MVP award.
According to a report by ESPN, with J.J. Watt finally back from a back injury, having passed his physical exam on Sunday coach Bill O'Brien and his teammates feel a positive uplift by his mere presence.
"It just goes to show he's a warrior. All the stuff he's been going through. His passion for the game, his love for the game. You just get a respect seeing him out there and knowing how hard he works." Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson said.
"If J.J. Watt got his leg blown up, I'd expect him to be back out here practicing the next day. That's just the guy he is. He's a hard worker, he's tough. And he has a lot of passion for the game, and he wants to be great. I expect him to come out here and be the best player in the league when he's out here."
ALSO READ: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill battle for starting post for the Vikings?
Meanwhile, Texans right tackle Derek Newton is also expected to play after being out since the 1st day of camp after sustaining a hamstring injury, although at a limited snap count.
Both players just recently got back from some time off the field and it's going to be crucial to observe how they are able to deal with the physicality of the sport.
Both Watt and Derek Newton were reportedly working hard as the team had their first full-padded practice, where coach Bill O'Brien said, "It's always good to have your team as close to full strength as possible.
On how much both athletes have performed since their return, no specific details have been shared. But it all goes down to their level of conditioning at this point.
"I think with anybody that comes off of being out for a while, the first thing you want to look at is their level of conditioning," Bill O'Brien said in a report by the Chicago Tribune.
"Where are they at as it relates to their own conditioning, their own ability to stay in there and sustain plays throughout a drive. I think that's the big thing. Then, from there, it's just about how are they reacting to whatever their injury was, how is that playing out in practice?"
Photo courtesy: Eyton Z/Flickr.com


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Alabama takes on Clemson for the second straight season to decide the National Championship. According to OddsShark, Alabama is favored by 6.5 points heading into tonight's contest.
The over-under is set at 50.5 points. Alabama is 10-4 against the spread this season while Clemson is just 7-7. One of the challenges in picking this game is it appears Clemson is playing its best football of the season in the College Football Playoff as evidenced by their 31-0 victory over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
The OddsShark computer likes Alabama to come away with the victory. The computer projects a 40.9-32.7 Alabama victory. The computer is taking Alabama to cover the spread and the over on the point total.
SB Nation's S&P+ projections predict a similar outcome. They project a 28.9-20.5 Alabama victory.
How does Clemson pull off the upset? There are two most likely scenarios. One way would be for freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts to not play well and for the Alabama offense to play as bad as it did against Washington in the Peach Bowl. For as well as Hurts has played this season, he is still a freshman and this will be the biggest game of his career.
Another way would be for Deshaun Watson to top his performance against Alabama in last season's title game. Watson proved he can provide trouble against Alabama's defense.
To pick Clemson to win this game, you have to imagine ideal circumstances. Alabama could not play their best game and still wind up on top. We saw that against Clemson a season ago just like we saw it against Washington in the Peach Bowl.
Alabama's defense is even better than it was last season, and it is scoring points on its own. Hurts is an upgrade to the Alabama quarterbacks we have seen in year's past.
Clemson will hang around, but Alabama will pull away in the fourth quarter just as we saw in last season's title game.
Heavy's Pick: Alabama 31 Clemson 20. Alabama -6.5. Over on the Point Total.


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Ash & Robinia Console Table by Tom Frost
A finely designed ash and robinia console table by exciting designer/maker Tom Frost.
Tom works with indigenous and sustainable timber and he enjoys experimenting with new forms.
He subscribes to Williams Morris' golden rule to "have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful"
This is an example of one of his smaller pieces which fits well into both contemporary and traditional settings.
W 120cm x H 79cm x D 34cm


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EXCLUSIVE: Sarkodie Ft Obrafour "Elijah" Prod by Da Hammer
I know you have been expecting this music as much as I was! Well, the wait is over!! Sarkodie and Obrafour brings you the new hit titled "Elijah" produced by Da Hammer! One thing is know is, this music sounds different from what we have been listening to for some time now.
I guess this is because Da Hammer cooked this one and Obrafour got the hook on point. Who doesn't know Obidi? He will lay them bars like he planned the song years back! I wished I could give you some of the lines in the music; but I will rather leave you to listen and listen carefully…. Powerful stuffs!
Download and share!!


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In Star Wars Neither the Republic or the Empire are Good or Bad
|Voting Style:
|Point System:
|7 Point
|6 years ago
|Post Voting Period
|7,873 times
|Debate No:
The first round will be for acceptance. I will be taking the Pro side proving that Neither the Empire or the Republic in Star Wars are Good or Bad
(This is my first debate so I'm pretty much doing it for fun and to get noob sniped :p)
(Definition) of Good [1]
morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.
satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.
of high quality; excellent.
right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.
(Definition) Bad [2]
not good in any manner or degree.
having a wicked or evil character; morally reprehensible: There is no such thing as a bad boy.
of poor or inferior quality; defective; deficient: a bad diamond; a bad spark plug.
inadequate or below standard; not satisfactory for use: bad heating; Living conditions in some areas are very bad.
inaccurate, incorrect, or faulty: a bad guess.
Taking the con side of the argument I understand that my task will be to convince you that one or both of The Empire or The Republic is either good or bad.
I will assume that by supplying multiple definitions that any or all of those definitions for good and bad may be referenced throughout the subsequent arguments.
I will also assume that 'Star Wars' refers to the entire expanded Star Wars universe and not merely the 6 movies.
'The Republic' will refer to the Galactic Republic that is prevalent in the prequel series and 'The Empire' will refer to the Galactic Empire founded by Supreme Chancellor, and later Emperor Palpatine after the fall of The Republic.
May The Force Be With You
I would like to thank my opponent for accepting this debate. Certainly since we are both Star Wars fans this will not only be a good debate but a fun debate.
I would also like to make it clear, that since the Galactic Empire of Sidious was BASED off of the original Sith empire evidence of the Sith empire will be acceptable, but will not matter as much as the Galactic Empire. (Discussion on the Old and and New republic may also enter the conversation as it is the same republic just different sections of the Republics rain)
Many of you wonder. The Empire was obviously evil! how can you make a case for them?? The republic was obviously good they didn't dictate (AS MUCH) like the empire! and there was Freedom!
I challenge that the empire as a HOLE was not evil, and the republic as a HOLE was not good, But both where a set of ideals of opinions, with BOTH sides having good points, and different views on government.
So where should we start? The Empire? The republic? Well for this part of the debate I will argue the people views of the empire, and the Empire as a HOLE.
For over 2 decades no rebellion EVER started against the
(Remember in the Return of the sith. The senate LOVED the of a Empire...)
You see for 20 decades there was no rebellion. In fact
the majority of the people didn't mind being under the empire. As there really
was no interplanetary wars to worry about, (because the empire owned most of the
galaxy so they wouldn't allow one) the empire kept a strong hand against pirates
and smugglers so there wasn't nearly as much of that as there was with the
republic. In fact as long as you followed the laws, (Most of the laws common sense)
and stayed out of the empires hair, you where fine and most of the people where
But you see..
When Palpatine discovered Starkiller's existence he
forced Vader to fake Starkiller's death as part of a new plot to expose the
most influential traitors in the Empire.
Starkiller was healed from his near-fatal injury and tasked by Vader to
initiate a full-scale rebellion against the Empire. The apprentice believed that
the insurrection's purpose was to distract Palpatine so that he and his Master
could have another chance to kill the reigning Dark Lord of the Sith. However,
he was unaware that the Rebellion was Palpatine's plan to destroy the
disillusioned politicians within his
Empire. At the same time, he fully intended to train a new apprentice by
manipulating Starkiller into killing Darth Vader. Due to the extensive injuries
that Vader suffered on Mustafar,
Palpatine bitterly judged his hobbled disciple to be a failure. Yet in
Starkiller, he saw a chance to finally have an incredibly powerful apprentice
who was worthy to stand at his side.
However, Palpatine's plan to rout out the Empire's
Palpatine in affect destroyed his own empire. By creating
the rebellion.
So for twenty years there was actually Fewer deaths then would
of probably happened under the republics government. Because the empire simply
would not allow war. IN FACT Palpatine was
famous among the people for most of his reign. As the Galactic Civil War broke out to determine the
fate of the galaxy, Emperor Palpatine stopped looking as an enlightened leader.
Under the doctrine of terror, Palpatine attempted to rule
through fear of the threat of force, symbolized by the Death Star upon its
completion in. But when the Empire suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle
of Yavin in the same year, the Emperor steadily began to lose the absolute
control over the galaxy that he had enjoyed for nearly two decades. The
destruction of the Death Star proved to be an pivotal turning point that
galvanized many beings throughout the galaxy to join the Alliance in open
rebellion against the Emperor's tyranny.
Please note that, it was only AFTER the rebel alliance war
But the first movies of star wars was the BEGINING of the empire rule of FEAR...
If Lucas made a movie of the 20 years of peace do you think anyone would go and watch it? BORRRRRINNNNGGG. Now in 2012 Star Wars has grown so much more then Lucas. If this debate was on JUST the movies of Star Wars no question the empires evil. But this isn't. its on the ENTIRE Star Wars world. Books (And other things) Have expanded on the LARGE spaces of time left OPEN by lucas's.
To this end I argue that as the empire did do a few evil
things they also did good things. Also this the EMPIRE AS A HOLE was
"Ok" not just palpatine. if
this where a debate on Palpatine is a good person that would just not work.
Palpatine in the long run was a evil person but the storm troopers imperial
officers pilots and Moffs as a hole where not and please note again the SENATE
there was a SENATE of the EMPIRE for TWENTY years.
I also argue that that the people as a HOLE where prettyI would like to note that since this is not real life and is a sci-fi topic on a entertainment theme finding in depth sources is harder.
much happy with the PEACE that for the most part had come over the galaxy. The
Empire was a Idea of government that started LONG before the Galactic Empire
that works in its own "Special way".
There is a website however devoted to it and is "Fairly" reliable.
http://starwars.wikia.com... (Please note that in this article the writer is a little biased towards the empire)
(Also as mentioned in my profile, my grammar is not that great. But I'm working on it. :)
Over to you Con!
First of all, the Empire was bad (both in a moral sense and in a 'poor or inferior quality sense) and so was the Republic. I believe the only people that were truly good in the Star Wars universe were the Jedi Order and the Wookies, but thats another story.
First of all, pro has stated that because the empire had no rebellion for 20 years and the rebellion only started because the Emperors own plan backfired. But doesn't the fact that the rebellion stuck prove that the Empire was a cause worth fighting against? The empire were bullies, they installed garrisons in places that really didn't need them, they sent Darth Vader out the terrorise the population and they meticulously killed off any Jedi they could find.
It was only a matter of time before the sinister side of the empire was shown, and with the Dark Lord of the Sith at the helm, it was inevitable that this sinister side would be very sinister indeed. So while it may have been the Emperor himself may have instigated the rebellion, it gained momentum as it went. (If you want proof for this read "The Last of the Jedi" series).
My next point, the empire rose to power in perhaps the most evil, malicious, way possible. They murdered tones of innocent people. The Emperor was responsible for the murder of innocent children. CHILDREN FOR SAKE! The only worse than murdering an innocent child is murdering an innocent Ewok child, which I'm sure the Empire would have done too if they're Scout troopers weren't so incompetent.
But wait, there's more! I know this example is blatantly obvious, but it just can not be ignored. The Empire blew up Alderaan, a peaceful, defenceless planet. Maybe if they had of blown up a planet like Tatooine, Mandalor or Geonosis they could claim that they were worried about the uprising of an army (especially in Mandalor's case) or that they were trying to rid the galaxy of some of it's low life inhabitants. But no, they chose Alderaan, a peaceful planet with no weapons, to make an example of. These people didn't attack the empire (with the exception of their faithful princess) so why were they destroyed? For two reason, 1: To make an example of them and send a message to the republic and 2: To further torture Leia. Now both reasons in themselves are morally BAD, then when you add the destruction of countless lives and an entire civilisation and culture on top of them it becomes almost unthinkable. A peaceful regime which was decidedly neutral, which is what you become when you are neither good nor bad, would never do anything like this and an act like thesis definitely not good, therefor it is definitely bad in a moral sense.
One last thing I feel i need to address before i hand it back over to pro is that he stated that this debate was a question of whether the empire as a HOLE was good or bad. Well seeing as the Empire is a government of a galaxy, and not a hole, i think it makes a pretty unsuccessful hole.
Yes I known I'm a smart arse, i can't help it. I believe what pro was trying to say is that the empire as a WHOLE was not bad. That is complete bantha doodoo. The empire as was feared by it's citizens, it sent it's armies out to enforce a strict rule and during Palpatines' reign there was not one democratic election. This is hardly good and it;s definitely not neutral. So what does that leave? BAD! The empire was bad, evil, malicious, rotten, wicked, vicious, nasty, vile and unjust.
Over to you Pro. I would say try your best, but we both know trying is definitely not acceptable in the Star Wars universe.
LOL! Yes I will most likely make a mistake like Hole instead of Whole from time to time.... Again... its in my profile...
Anyhow lets get started!
First: My opponent makes the claim that the empire AND the republic are bad.
(I would like to add he also said that only the Jedi Order and wookies are good... Sorry to burst your bubble but the Jedi are devoted to and are apart of the republic... so... if the republics bad as you say the Jedi are to...... And as far as wookies... well They are warriors....)
Consider this.
The republic today's equal is the United States of American (Having a congress and a president similar to the republics political structure) If the republic is Bad you must say the USA Is Bad.
Now consider this.
A Government called Senta has a King with a senate and a strong military force that owns most of the earth. The government keeps a strong hand against murder and Illegal goods. If the citizens mess around with a one of the military men physically and they aren't killed in the fight they get thrown in Jail. As long as you don't bother the army of this government be a good citizen pay your tax's and don't break any major rules you are perfectly fine and FREE to do whatever you want. This describes what the 20 years of peace was like. My opponent claims that the people would be unhappy under these conditions
(I would like to add that my opponent has given no true source on his information of why the people of the empire where unhappy with this a long with other things he claims to be true with no true source.. But like I said in Round 2 source material can be hard to find so I will take his unproven claims and try to show they are wrong to my unproven claims...)
Now after 20 years the King of Senta has become corrupt (COMPLETELY) Seeking to get rid of his current disciple and train a new one... So he makes a long elaborate plan on how to get rid of his current disciple and also get rid of some people he doesn't like in the government... The plan backfires COMPLETELY and he starts a rebellion against himself. The King for the first time with his empire having fear that he will lose control Builds Secret Atom bomb (At this point most people in the empire don't know it but the King has gone completely power crazy....
The rebellion destroys the first atom bomb but the second one kills a million people and sends Florida into the water.... At this point even the Sentas Generals surprised at the quick disappearance of the senate and the blowing of alderaan start to question if the empire stands for what it use to stand for... At this point of Sentas rule a historian in the future starts to make a movie AT THIS SPECIFIC downfall of senta showing the empire implode from the inside and more and more of senta joining the rebellion. If you had ONLY watched This historians movie you would have a VERY bad view of Senta and look at it as a complete dictatorship!
But Senta was hardly a dictatorship with the Senate making most of the decisions and the king just enjoying his rain of the earth training his disciple.....
Whenever someone thinks The EMPIRE!!! they instantly think very negatively about it... So what I have done here is replaced all the words of Empire with senta Moffs with generals (Along with other things....) To help you think more clearly on exactly what the empire was as a WHOLE. Also note that this King could see the future and protected his empire against anything he saw that would threaten it thus.. NO WAR. NO real CRIME ... There was PEACE.. Something the republic tried so hard but failed to really have because of all the war between so many species that hated other species other...
I'm short on time in writing this as my current 8 Hours and 28 Minutes will be when I'm sleeping... So excuse some of the grammar flaws I didn't have time to correct...
Now the republic... A place where species of all kinds could come together and look for a brighter future (But never really had one...)
The Republic ... (A lot like the USA) Wanted so many great things and tried to achieve them and succeeded for some time but behind that look of kindness was... Jedi not REALLY following the Jedi Code corrupt Senate members people JUST LIKE palpatine with only selfish ideas.... The republic was one big Hypocritical government... But at the same times even being Hypocritical achieved the many things they appeared to want for SOME time.....
So here we come to this conclusion...
The EMPIRE! Pros: Tons of peace no war no suffering no pirates smugglers TRUE protection (Had a senate)
Con:Sometimes seem to have gone a little to far in "Keeping the peace" in the END destroyed a PLANET (Flordia) and tried to rule by FEAR IN THE END... A long with some obvious little other things.
The republic:Pro Great Ideals and views TRYING to help and had a good goal of peace.
Con:Hypocrites no REAL peace lying war TRYING to help others but MANY times failing.
To this end we come to this conclusion....
The empire having flaws... was... OK
The republic having.. flaws... was.... OK
Over to you con! (With MANY more grammar mistakes you can make me laugh about :p)
Now, as I outlined very briefly in my last post the Galactic Republic was bad in the sense that it didn't work. In this case bad can be defined as: 'of poor or inferior quality; defective; deficient: a bad diamond; a bad spark plug.'
Now before I go any further I need to acknowledge the fact that Pro has drawn a parallel between the republic and the United States of America. While on a shallow level the two may appear similar, I really don't think they are, and the arguments that follow this are really not intended to be derogatory towards America in any way. I am just an Aussie, all I do is ride around on kangaroos all day so what would I know anyway (sorry I'll start now).
First of all the only proof that you need that the republic was a bad system was that systems decided to leave. Sure they were lead by the evil Count Dooku, and some, like Nute Gunray and the trade federation, were probably only in it for the money, and the Zygerians just wanted slaves plus the Banking Clan were all selfish bastards and don't even get me started on Poggle the Lesser (sorry George, not your best moment). But other systems, like Sy Myrth and Ryflor, joined the Confederacy of Independent systems because of the turmoil that was engulfing the senate of the republic. Source: http://starwars.wikia.com...
Then theres the fact that they were stupid enough to appoint a nut case as supreme chancellor, although you can forgive them for this, he did make a very strong case, then they voted him emergency powers. Which basically meant the aforementioned nut job could do whatever they wanted. http://starwars.wikia.com...(Galactic_Alliance)
Why was all this able to take place you ask? Because prolonged belief in a system that is fundamentally flawed leaves you vulnerable to make mistakes. For the dumbass senators (remember, galaxy far far away, not the USA(hooray for rhymes)), the signs should have been obvious. Blockades without any real reason, an outbreak of a droid army, coinciding with the return of the dark lord of the Sith. But when you start to get complacent, things like this scare you and when your scared you tend to lean towards self preservation, and for senators, the preservation of their people and their people alone. So what do they do? They go war, with an army that never should have been used after it was discovered that it had been created by a ghost. This very army then wiped out the protectors of the republic and ensured the rise to power of the empire.
Any system that allows this series of mistakes to happen cannot be considered good. Now pro may play the same card he used earlier here and say that for a long period of time the republic was able to maintain order so I'm just going to preempt him here and say that in the end they lost and thats what people remember. In 50 years time no ones going to say Adam Scott did really well at the british open for most the time, they're going to say he chocked in the last round and lost the tournament (for those of you who don't know, Scott was leading by 5 strokes at the start of the final round and lost). This will be the legacy that the republic leaves behind and no amount of peace before that can change it.
Now, back to the fact that the republic was allowed to stuff up. Complacency, is basically the problem. For far to long the senate had had nothing major to do and could just sit around on their haunches for the best part. In order to prevent this they could have turned over senators quicker to ensure their terms were not too long, actively discussed ways to end slavery in the outer rim or even been proactive and gone out and recruited planets like Tatooine to their cause! Did they? No and this proved to be very BAD. When the time came to do something they saw Palpatine as a way out.
I can imagine a conversation between two senators going something like this:
A: We're at war now, what are we going to do?
B: I dunno, I'll probably just go round to Dexters again and stuff my face
A: But seriously, shouldn't we do something to help save the republic
B: Relax, I've heard a rumour we got an army that seems to have come out of no where that no one knows anything about, I'm sure we'll be fine.
A:Yeah i guess so. Hey, heres an idea, why don't we give the chancellor emergency powers, that way he can do whatever he likes and make our problems go away.
B: Thats a great idea, it saves us arguing all the time as well.
A: Now what were you saying about Dexters?
B: I heard he's throwing an all you can eat buffet, only 60 credits!
A: Well what are we waiting for, I'm sure we have time, Palpatines just gonna solve our problems anyway.
Senator Amidala must have felt like Gary Ablett at a Gold Coast game (you'd probably have to be an Aussie to get this one, imagine KD playing for the Bobcats and you've pretty much got the gist of it).
Last but not least, I have to address one last flaw in the republic and that is, in large numbers, democracy breaks down. For two reasons: 1. The people are stupid and chose the wrong thing, or 2. Everyone gets selfish and wants something different. This is why they had so much in fighting in the first place which started the separatist movement in the first place. Sure they CIS had a democracy as well, but it was short and sharp, plus there weren't as many voices. If you want proof of this go watch SWTCW, I can't remember which episode it is but there is an example of a CIS vote.
Basically, the republic was full of senators that didn't do a lot, and was eventually taken down by one evil mastermind, and any system that is overwhelmed that easily is definitely of poor or inferior quality, or, in layman's terms, BAD.
Over to you Pro
P.s. I don't care if any one thinks SWTCW is stupid, I happen to think it is good, light entertainment. Plus Captain Rex is a beast.
I must agree with my opponent on this, This debate is proving to be very interesting and I am very much enjoying it!
(I continue to be pressed for time with "Obligations" But I will make room as best I can for this)(I almost forgot about posting my debate... very busy...)
My opponent has claimed that because the System of the republic didnt really work and a lot of the members of the government were in fact corrupt many were not. Many times they struggled to get anything done resulting in many deaths.. But many times they saved lifes by quick action... Many time there system did not work. But many times when it REALLY needed to it did.
(I want to kinda retract my earlier statement that the republic was like the USA... They are in ways a like but Im not going to even bother going there as it would be pointless)
But we are not talking about specificly the System of the republics government.. We are talking about the REPUBLIC as a WHOLE.
The republic was a place where many species could gather and not fire a blaster at eatchothers heads. They did prevent a lot of wars. And a lot of the people were very nice. With some senate members being corrupt others not some members of the republic wanting war others not some citizens of the republic being good people others bing scum.... It was a interesting system. But you cant say the Republic was Bad just because the system at many time didnt work.
But you cant say it was good as many of the corrupt actions of the government acts of the citizens and species that where members Started wars and where greedy resulting in MANY MANY MANY MANY Deaths... But they also Saved Many deaths.....
The republic and the Empire where two different kinds of systems with Great Ideas! and bad ones. Both systems were very imperfect but they still managed to get a lot done!
As my last Debate post.
I would like to thank my opponent so much for this wonderful debate!
I would like to thank everyone that put up with my grammar trouble and I hope to have improved on it for my next debate!
Vote PRO! And Live long and pros-.... wait.... umm.... Try... yeah umm... yeah thats it.. All ways try your best err... umm... Oh right... ILL BE BACK!... Yeah thats it right? *Whispers* Its not?.... oh.... *Whisper* ... Ah forget it heres a wonderful link of famous Star tre-... *Whisper* galacti- *Whisper* Star wars! Quotes! May the force be with you!
The last time I will be arguing in this debate. *wipes tear from eye*
First and foremost I feel I need to rebut something that my opponent has said in his last post. He mentioned that we are not talking specifically about the Republics government and then went on to mention that a lot of the people were very nice and didn't kill each other and used this to infer that the Republic was not all bad. I would like to point out that there were probably people in Nazi Germany who were nice people, many members of the Nazi party themselves were probably, in essence, nice people. Yet whenever we think of the Nazi's we think of Adolf Hitler and the killing of so many innocent people.
Pro also continues to insist that we must take into account the Empire and the Republic as a whole, before deciding whether the were good, bad, or indifferent. He says that both of these systems did things that were good and things that were bad, and that these acts balance combine to form an equilibrium between good and bad. Need I remind you that the Empire blew up a PLANET!
I'm sorry, but a basic sense of morality has to take over here. 20 years of tense, fear induced peace does counteract the murder of billions of innocent life forms, human or alien.
If a serial killer lived the first 20 years of their life without harming anyone then suddenly decides to kill a couple of people in cold blood would you still consider him to be, as a WHOLE, a neutral person. Noone in their right mind would ever think this. Every sane person would cry for this person to be locked away for the rest of their life for the atrocities they have committed.
So why should the same reasoning not apply to the Empire as a WHOLE? Sure you may argue that the Empire is a vast network and that when you examine each and every individual facet of the Empire you may be able to say, well this part was good, this part was bad and that part was fairly indifferent. But is my opponent is referring to the Empire as WHOLE, so this in depth analysis should not began into account. Only the total sum of everything that the Empire has done may be examined to truly look at it as a whole and in that case, the evil (or bad, whatever you want to call it) far outways the good.
This was the first debate I ever accepted on this site and I would like to sincerely thank my opponent for providing such an interesting and rather though provoking debate and I hope this can be the first of many debates between us (yes I do have some interesting Star Wars topics up my sleeve).
Also I would like to wish my opponent all the best with his grammar, which I know can be a rather daunting concept for every writer, no matter now good they are. In that regard I think this may come in handy: http://www.grammarly.com....
Lastly I would like to briefly make my end of debate plea to the voters:
The Nature of this debate is such that I only have to be half right. If, for some reason, you didn't think I proved that the Empire was evil, but you agreed with me about the flaws in the republic (or vice versa) then I still win because I have proved that the statement "In Star Wars Neither the Republic or the Empire are Good or Bad" is incorrect.
(Or Jabba the Hut will feed you to the Rancor and there won't be any disguised bounty hunters or wookies around to save you!)
And the may the force be with you, always!
Okay, con. I have to give you the best quote. =P
I Did make a comment on alderaan in the debate that I think completely defused the alderaan problem but that was one comment in a entire debate. You are right I should of focused on that a little more. (I also would of pursued the USA comparison but at the time I was doing a short week and a half school that took up most of my time during the middle of the debate...
Anyways! I made the comment I think along the lines of : The Empire saved more lifes in there 20 years of government then the destruction of alderaan. The idea was that if the republic was ruling and not the empire the death count would of been MUCH higher... Also I used the comparison to a fake government blowing up florida At the DISBANDING of the empire... I guess the empire didnt want to go out without a bang...
But I cant expect the voters to remember every sentence of my responses and it was a big flaw on my part for not focusing on the obvious first the more complicated later. I LOVED this debate and I think me and obiwan will have many more after this!
not HOLE.
The Empire as a HOLE means the empire was one gigantic gaping empty spot inside some other entity. You were looking for WHOLE.
"Con cited the destruction of Alderaan and the wiki a lot more. As a whole his argument was just a lot stronger and at times humorous. Both sides made great arguments but con won this time."
Thanks for voting! Yes I do wish I could of gave more links, But towards the end of the debate I started going through a extra temporary week and a half school that takes up a lot of time.
and I certainly do agree Obiwan did a good job in this debate. He surprised me when He took the route that the republic was bad making me have to change my case some.
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Mercator Grange DC 52" Timber Ceiling Fan with 16W LED Light & Remote Control
The Grange series by Mercator is an energy efficient, high performing ceiling fan with a timeless design. This model features a powerful and efficient 40W DC motor with four plywood-timber blades for quiet operation.
The Grange series is equipped with Sea Breeze technology, which allows the fan to adjust its settings automatically over different speeds to provide a calming sea breeze effect.
- Max airflow: 11,402m³/hr
- 40W DC motor
- 16W 1000lm LED Light
- 5000K Daylight/Cool White colour temperature
- 12 Degree Blade Pitch
- Painted Plywood blades
- Tropically rated
- Pre-assembled for easy installation
- Ball joint ceiling mount
- Remote control with LCD screen (included)
- Reversible airflow, for Summer/Winter operation (on remote)
- 6 speed adjustable speed control
- Sea Breeze Technology
- 2 Year In-Home Warranty
Delivery Information
JD Lighting offers FREE standard shipping for most online orders over $99* within Australia.
- Exclusions apply to WA, SA, NT & Tasmania. For these excluded areas, actual shipping charges will be calculated at checkout.
For more information about our Shipping Policy, please click here.
Returns Information
If you are not entirely satisfied with your online order, you may send it back to us for a refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase.
Our 3 simple rules of returns are:
- Item(s) must be returned within 30 days period with proof of purchase.
- Item(s) must be uninstalled and unused with the original tags still attached.
- Item(s) must be in the original packaging which must be in original salable condition.
Please note the following:
- We are unable to refund the initial shipping cost of your order. If the goods were shipped for free the actual amount would be deducted from the refund.
- Any cost associated with returning the goods would be at the consumers' expense.
For more information about our Returns Policy, please click here.


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All Posts in 'Commonwealth Transportation Board'
- Categories
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- In the News
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- Prioritization
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- Status Update
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- Transportation Planning Board
- Uncategorized
The CTB and VDOT Want to Know — How Smartly Is Smart Scale Choosing?
The CTB and VDOT Want to Know — How Smartly Is Smart Scale Choosing? The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are holding the following public hearing to get citizen input on Northern Virginia projects that have been scored and recommended for funding as part of the Commonwealth's Round 2 Smart Scale […]
Funding the Right Transportation Projects in Virginia?
Funding the Right Transportation Projects in Virginia? Smart Scale Project Scores Released The Smart Scale results are in. Of 404 projects submitted with a total price tag of $8.5 billion, the Smart Scale scoring process identified 136 projects totaling $969 million as the "best" candidates for funding. View the CTB presentation on these scores and the list […]
Did They Get it Right? VDOT Releases Project Scores and Rankings
Last week, VDOT released the results of the first round of projects ranked through the new Virginia HB2 process that is intended to take the politics out of transportation project selection. Under HB2, projects are rated on their ability to mitigate congestion, encourage economic development, and improve accessibility, safety, environmental quality and land use. A […]
Coalition of Business Organizations Endorses Short List of Key Transportation Priorities
The Northern Virginia Transportation Coalition has announced the adoption of a resolution signed by twenty major business and industry organizations that urges regional transportation investments be based on five criteria and identifies nine projects it believes represent the investments of greatest regional benefit. "The fact that our region has the nation's worst traffic congestion and […]
Have politics really been taken out of transportation? CTB Adopts HB2 Guidelines
At their June meeting, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the State's new transportation prioritization program, known as HB 2. Despite the General Assembly directive that congestion reduction should be the primary consideration for Northern Virginia, the CTB assigned congestion reduction only 45 points out of 100 for Northern Virginia projects. While this is an […]
It's the Weight that Matters Most
As originally drafted, the intent of legislation (HB 2) creating Virginia's the new transportation prioritization program was to focus more state resources on reducing Northern Virginia's traffic congestion. However, as ultimately adopted, HB 2 expanded the project selection criteria to include accessibility, safety, environmental quality, and land use. The more criteria that must be considered, […]
Last Call on Transportation Dollars
Under Virginia's transportation funding allocation structure, funds for highway construction are those that exist after all other obligations are met (debt service, maintenance, rail & public transportation, administration, transfers other agencies, and the port and airport trust funds). And with changes made during the recent General Assembly session diverting more money to maintenance for state […]
Maintenance Drain Remains
State law says that transportation maintenance needs must be funded first. And from 1986 when the Highway Maintenance and Operations Fund (HMOF) was created until 2002, the HMOF contained enough money to cover maintenance needs. However, in 2002 Virginia's repeated failure to provide new transportation revenue created a HMOF shortfall that was covered by transferring […]
HB 2: Keep It Simple
In October 16th testimony, the Alliance urged the Commonwealth Transportation Board and Virginia Department of Transportation to focus predominantly on congestion reduction and economic development when rating projects in the General Assembly-mandated transportation project prioritization process known as HB 2. The Alliance noted that "HB 2 started off based on measuring value in terms of […]


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TUFF Bullbars Australia is one of the leading Australian distributors and manufacturers of vehicle frontal protection systems and is nationally recognized, well-respected brand in the aftermarket accessory industry.
At TUFF we want to make a positive difference for our clients, our employees and the community. We see our role as protecting our clients and their property on the road.
Experienced team
TUFF's success is the result of the efforts of its team and the company is proud of the long service of many employees. Production Manager Troy North has 22 years service with the company while Fitting Supervisor Lloyd George and Rails Supervisor Jordan Tibble have both worked with TUFF for 10 years. This combined experience in the industry gives TUFF a significant edge in meeting and exceeding the needs of our clients.
Community activities
TUFF is proud to assist in local communities and is a sponsor of the Careflight rescue helicopter service. In the sporting arena, TUFF is a major sponsor of the Toowoomba Hockey Association.
TUFF Group
TUFF Bullbars sister company, TUFF Coatings commenced operations in October 2008 and the company has grown rapidly, providing services to a number of leading mining and agriculture manufacturers as well as TUFF Bulbars.
The business owners, Phil and Anton Griffiths personal reputations and commitment are linked to all companies and a family focus is emphasised over hierarchy. Companies are empowered to run their own affairs, but still help one another, and solutions to problems come from many sources.
Many companies espouse a set of brand values, which often become completely meaningless. TUFF believes that the most important thing is the way values are delivered and brought to life.
TUFF Values:
At TUFF we want to make a positive difference for our clients, our employees and the community. We see our role as protecting our clients and their property on the road. We deliver a quality product with premium service, while continually improving our customers' experience.
TUFF is serious about being truthful and fair with clients, suppliers and competitors. We are honest about pricing, delivery times and the services we offer and actually follow through on what we promise.
Exceptional Customer Service
The TUFF team is friendly, helpful, and professional.
The TUFFteam adheres to a strong moral and ethical code, both professionally and personally - a company and team with a sound moral character.
TUFF works to high standards, attention to detail and effective quality control.
TUFF works to continuously improve its business, develop new products and provide upgrades to Bullbars and Brushrail/side steps.
At TUFF we are serious about protecting lives and the services we offer. It is however important to have fun along the way, and we encourage our clients and team members to enjoy their experience.
Competitive Challenge
TUFF aims to provide the best possible products for clients and provide a quality Australian made alternative to imported Bullbars and Brushrail/side steps.
Value for Money
Simple, honest and transparent pricing is a priority for TUFF. Our products are not the cheapest on the market, but they definitely give the most bang for your buck.


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Roman Strug was a Northwest soccer pioneer by any definition except his own.
He guided championship youth teams in Tacoma and Federal Way when the game was still strange to the region, was involved in the development of varsity programs at Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound, and finally convinced a skeptical soccer community that it made sense for young players to learn on smaller fields with youth-size balls. He coached future pros such as Jeff Stock, Jeff Durgan and Mark Peterson.
"Did he consider himself a pioneer? No," his son, Daniel Strug, said this week. "Everybody around him did. But he just thought, 'I'm just doing what makes sense.' "
Strug died in February of 2013. A memorial tribute will belatedly be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Browns Point Improvement Club, 201 Tulalip St. NE, Tacoma. Everyone is welcome.
"We've got to have something to celebrate what Roman gave to us as youth," said Kurt Hovrud, who played on the Cheney Studs Hustlers team that Strug took to England in 1971. "Everybody involved in soccer in the Northwest knew his name. You either played with him or against him. If you played against him, you usually lost."
Daniel Strug said his father was born in 1927 and was a freedom fighter in the Ukrainian underground during World War II. When the war ended, he immigrated to Italy and eventually to England. There he resumed his childhood love of soccer and played on the semipro level while supporting himself as a coal miner. He taught himself to speak English by listening and going to movies.
He started a family, and in 1962 came to the United States on the Queen Mary. The family continued moving west, from New York to Chicago and, in 1966, finally to Tacoma. He took one look — the trees, mountains and water — and decided this was where he wanted to raise his children.
While looking for a house in the Browns Point area, he noticed a youth soccer team in training. He stopped, spoke to the coach, and just like that, a two-generation bond with Northwest soccer was begun.
In 1971, Strug took Norpoint's under-16 Hustlers on a six-game tour of England. They went 0-3-3 but turned heads in a country that knows a thing or two about soccer.
After that, Strug turned his attention to the local colleges, including UPS, where eventual U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena was about to being his coaching career. Strug departed for a couple of years to help coach in Africa, then moved to California and Australia before returning to the Northwest, where he helped the Federal Way youth team Solaris win a state championship.
"I'm proud of my dad," said Daniel Strug, who went on to play at UCLA. "I've been exposed to high-level coaches all over the country. I'd put him up there. That's not just because he was my dad. … He was ahead of his time. There were people out there who didn't like him because he was so stubborn. But like he put it, he goes, 'I'm only stubborn if I know I'm right.' "


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Hey all!
So, I've been a little MIA lately. With this painting business I haven't had the time really to sit down and update my blog. I completely missed my cupcake of the month this month. 🙁 That makes me sadder than a sad panda.
But..what I do have for you is a little announcement. (and no I'm not pregnant)
I have an etsy shop!
Woot woot!
I've added a link to my shop on my sidebar.
Or you can go to this link and that'll bring you right to my shop homepage.
I've made a couple of fun prints you print from home as well as some downloadable printable planner stickers (shocker I know). I only have a few things up right now, but I'll have more up as I have time to work on them.
I hope you go and check it out!


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Color of Stones
White - Purifies physical, emotional, mental or etheric bodies.
Pink - Love, self-respect and self-worth, calming, de-stress, relaxs the physical body and mind.
Red - Energy, courage, strength the body and will power.
Orange - Cheerfulness, frees one from too many responsibilities, related to personal power, helps with self-esteem that expands your awareness of self-work
Yellow - Mental awareness, regulates nerverous system, nerves, communication, helps with digestion, skin problems.
Green - Healing, abundance, balance self-control.
Turquoise - Flashes of intuition, encounters from the past.
Sky Blue - Increases spiritual awareness.
Dark Blue, Indigo - Protection, strength, occult work, calms
Violet, Purple - Transformation, elevates the soul.
Gold - Wisdom, self-confidence, strengthens the heart.
Brown - Practicality, stabilizes.
Black - Abstract thought, protective, material world.
Birthstones By Month
January - Garnet, Rose Quartz
February - Amethyst, Onyx
March - Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April - Diamond, Quartz Crystal, White Sapphire
May - Emerald, Chrysoprase
June - Alexandrite, Moonstone, Pearl
July -Ruby, Carnelian
August - Peridot, Sardonyx
September - Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli
October - Opal, Tourmaline, Pink Sapphire
November - Topaz, Citrine
December - Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Turquoise
A good Zodiac Link
Page Assembled by Kat 2007


text: Within the Calligaris, an Italian company and a leader of the industry, dining table collection you'll find many exquisite modern tables that meet all your needs, like the Motion VR Extendable Glass Dining Table. The 'Motion VR' has a beautiful tempered frosted glass top that opens up to seat as many as twelve people. Its automatic opening system makes for great ease. All this sets on a durable frame of satin finished steel or wenge, with sturdy legs in satin finished steel, wenge or chrome. The legs come in square or round except the wenge finish they only come in squared. DIV Furniture is proud to offer this excellent Calligaris piece at a guaranteed low price.


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Words that start with bper
Found 2 words that start with bper. Browse our Scrabble Word Finder, Words With Friends cheat dictionary, and WordHub word solver to find words starting with bper. Or use our Unscramble word solver to find your best possible play! Related: Words containing bper
- Scrabble
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- WordHub
- Crossword


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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
= Ingredients:
1/2 kilo chicken (cubed), 2 tbsp.hot sauce, 3 tbsp.liquid seasoning, 3 tbsp. worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp.black pepper (ground), 1 tbsp. oil, 2 tbsp. garlic ( sliced thinly), 1/3 cup garlic (minced), 1 pc. finger pepper ( seeded and sliced diagonally), 1 tbsp. parsley(optional, for garnish) 2 tbsp. butter
=How to:
Marinate chicken in hot sauce, liquid seasoning,worcestershire sauce,black pepper, about 5 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan. Saute garlic (sliced thinly) over moderate heat til golden brown. Remove garlic and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and saute the minced garlic til fragrant. Drain chicken from marinade and set aside marinade. In the same pan, add chicken and continue sautéing over high heat til chicken turns brown.Immediately add marinade. Let simmer for a minute. Continue cooking until sauce reduces. Remove from heat and add finger pepper. Mix well. Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and browned garlic.
note; you can also use sizzling plate.
makes 3-4 servings
Labels: all about chicken
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We were recently asked if we would like to review the Aquabeads Beginners Studio and given that Riley has been asking me for weeks to buy him some, I didn't hesitate in saying yes.
If, like us, you are new to the world of Aquabeads, then the Aquabeads Beginners Studio is the perfect set for you as it contains everything you need to get started .
What's in the box?
- 1 x layout table
- 1 x palette
- 1 x container
- 1 x sprayer
- 1 x bead pen
- 14 x packets of beads (over 800 beads in 12 different colours)
- 4 x template sheets
For those of you that are already thinking "why is she letting her boys play with a girls toy?" This is not just a toy for girls. Yes the packaging is pink and yes the model on the packaging is a girl and yes it is obviously geared up towards girls – which infuriates me – but there's nothing to stop boys from playing with it.
Anyway, back to the Aquabeads Beginners Studio. Once everything was out of the box, we placed the layout table on top of the pink container and filled the shooting star-shaped palette with beads. There are 12 storage compartments in total – one for each colour – and each compartment can hold up to 80 beads.
The studio comes with 4 template sheets which have various designs for children to copy including a heart, rocking horse, chicken, elephant, flowers and more. To use a template sheet, you simply slide it into the designated area underneath the layout table, making sure that the images of the beads line-up with the indents on the layout table. I really like this feature as it gives children a stable surface to work on.
To start creating a bead design, you have to place your beads onto the layout table using the bead pen. This is very easy for children to operate – all they need to do is press down on a bead with the bead pen and then push the button to release the bead onto the layout tray. I think It's a great way to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye-coordination.
When the design is finished, you need to spray the beads a few times (using the sprayer included) with water from about 5cms away.
N.B. Make sure to use enough water to cover the whole bead design otherwise, they won't stick together properly. Have a paper towel to hand to soak up any excess water.
The beads take approximately 1-2 hours to dry and can then be removed from the layout table. The only problem I have with this is that as there's only one layout tray included with the set, you have no choice but to wait for the first design to dry before starting another.
Product Features:
- Contains over 800 beads in 12 different colours
- Comes with a sprayer to set your beads and a bead pen
- Four template sheets included
- Suitable for children aged 4years+
- All items can be neatly stored away within the pink container once finished
Overall thoughts?
If you are new to the world of Aquabeads, then the Aquabeads Beginners Studio is the perfect place to start. It is so simple to use and very easy to create designs. You can choose to follow the templates or create your own designs, so the possibilities are endless. It's the ideal product for children that enjoy creative play and is brilliant for both boys and girls. I just wish that they would make the packaging for gender neutral.
The only other issue I have is that there is only one layout tray but this can be easily rectified by purchasing another.
The Aquabeads Beginners Studio has a RRP of £13.99 and can be purchased from all major retailers including Argos, ASDA, Tesco, Toys R Us, Smyths Toys and Amazon.


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This room became an inviting and comfortable space within two hours and the newlyweds were very pleased. The futon was moved to another wall and covered with the bride's favorite throw. The groom's entertainment items were placed within easy reach and grouped together.
When you move in getting organized can become overwhelming. The important thing is to prioritize and organize your space based on what you will need to use most immediately, and most often.
The garage is part of your home, not just a large storage unit. It is also available to house more than your vehicle. It is often the largest multi-purpose room in your house. Tip: if it's been in a box for more than a year and hasn't been used, you don't need to keep it.


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Former parliamentary leader and new opposition chief, Fabakary Tombong Jatta say unity government senior member and Foreign Secretary Ousainou Darboe is power hungry.
Jatta is accusing Darboe of turning a blind eye to the truth for not standing against the seizing of the ex-president, Yahya Jammeh's assets.
APRC stands accused of instigating residents of Foni Kansala District to violently protest the presence of West African troops and a return of Jammeh's properties.
Jatta said the accusations were divisive and tantamount to calling on the APRC militants rather than foster reconciliation.
"He is blinded by the desire for power not to accept the truth," said Jatta, who is denying his party's involvement in the protest.
"The killing, arrest, and militarization of Kanilai and the freezing of former President Yahya Jammeh's assets are not in any way a genuine move for reconciliation."
Local leaders and residents in Kanilai told the BBC that life has been difficult since Jammeh's ouster.
During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, there was no sugar, rice, and other food items distributed to them.
Last month's demonstration left one person dead and several people seriously injured, including three soldiers. Nearly two dozen people were arrested but later released on bail.
The regional economic bloc, ECOWAS have asked for calm and restraint following the incident. Gambian authorities say they are probing the incident but have warned it will not tolerate violent protest.


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AWS services or capabilities described in AWS Documentation may vary by region/location. Click Getting Started with Amazon AWS to see specific differences applicable to the China (Beijing) Region.
Detaches the specified principal from the specified thing.
This is an asynchronous operation using the standard naming convention for .NET 4.5 or higher. For .NET 3.5 the operation is implemented as a pair of methods using the standard naming convention of BeginDetachThingPrincipal and EndDetachThingPrincipal.
Namespace: Amazon.IoT
Assembly: AWSSDK.IoT.dll
Version: 3.x.y.z
public abstract Task<DetachThingPrincipalResponse> DetachThingPrincipalAsync( String thingName, String principal, CancellationToken cancellationToken )
The name of the thing.
If the principal is a certificate, this value must be ARN of the certificate. If the principal is an Amazon Cognito identity, this value must be the ID of the Amazon Cognito identity.
A cancellation token that can be used by other objects or threads to receive notice of cancellation.
|An unexpected error has occurred.
|The request is not valid.
|The specified resource does not exist.
|The service is temporarily unavailable.
|The rate exceeds the limit.
|You are not authorized to perform this operation.
.NET Standard:
Supported in: 1.3
.NET Framework:
Supported in: 4.5
Portable Class Library:
Supported in: Windows Store Apps
Supported in: Windows Phone 8.1
Supported in: Xamarin Android
Supported in: Xamarin iOS (Unified)
Supported in: Xamarin.Forms


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HERNDON, Va. (PRWEB) November 29, 2016
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) today announced that Marion Blakey, president and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, a leader in advanced manufacturing, will headline the organization's upcoming Titans series event on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, electric and hybrid power, and other advancements are quickly being adopted in the aerospace industry today. Blakey will provide insights on the latest trends in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and how technology is galvanizing advancements in human flight.
Blakey brings expansive perspective to the transportation and aerospace industry. Prior to joining Rolls-Royce in 2015, she served in various senior executive roles including: President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
December 15, 2016
7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Registration and networking
7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Breakfast and program
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd.
McLean, VA 22102
Directions to The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner
To register as a member of the press, please contact Alexa Magdalenski at 703-904-7878, ext. 207 or email amagdalenski(at)nvtc(dot)org.
The event is free for press, but advanced registration is required. Press credentials are required for entry.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia. As the largest technology council in the nation, NVTC serves about 1,000 companies from all sectors of the technology industry, as well as service providers, universities, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Through its member companies, NVTC represents about 300,000 employees in the region. NVTC is recognized as the nation's leader in providing its technology community with networking and educational events; specialized services and benefits; public policy advocacy; branding of its region as a major global technology center; initiatives in targeted business sectors and in the international, entrepreneurship, workforce and education arenas; and the NVTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that supports the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative and other priorities within Virginia's technology community. Visit NVTC at http://www.nvtc.org.


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Support FAQ > Data Sources > Can I use Rockwell FactoryTalk Historian as my data source?
Yes, the Rockwell FTH is now an embedded PI system, and as long as the version is 3.01 or higher then Visual KPI can use FTH as a first-class data source. If you are on an older version of FTH, simply log on to Rockwell Support with your support agreement credentials and download the updated FT Historian.
Last updated on April 25, 2013 by Transpara


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What to Expect on a Sunday Morning
So it's your first time at Bethel? First of all… WELCOME! We trust you will able to truly worship God "in spirit and in truth" at our church.
The first thing you should know about us is that we're a "casual" church… no dress code here! If you wish to bring something to drink into the sanctuary with you, by all means feel free to.
If you have any questions at all about our church, ask one the ushers at the front doors. They also know all about our children's programs and will be able to direct your family accordingly.
Our church service tends to follow a modern Protestant (non-ceremonial) format: worship begins with some singing and prayer, followed by any important community-related announcements we feel you should know about. Then the ushers will pass the offering plates around. PLEASE DO NOT FEEL YOU HAVE TO PUT MONEY IN THE PLATE. The offering is for those of us who consider Bethel to be our spiritual home and so we are taking responsibility for her financially as well.
Following some more music and prayer, the message will be given. This can follow different formats:
– Pastor Mark may be preaching in a sermon series based on a book of the Bible,
– we may build a service that focuses around Bethel's vision statement (Responding to the Heart of God; Transforming the Heart of the City, Nation, and the World)
– we may have an outside speaker coming in (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, for instance, tend to come once a year)
– we may even have a panel discussion on any one of a million "Crucial Conversations", such as sexuality, that are of importance to believers today.
Once the message has been given, the worship team will return for some concluding music and prayer, followed by dismissal. By all means introduce yourself to the staff, and come and join us for coffee at Coffee and Conversation in the Gym so we can get to know you better!
Communion is usually held once a month, on the first Sunday of the month. While all are welcome, we do ask that only those who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus Christ partake of the bread and juice.
Any more questions? Give us a call at 542-2990 or by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com


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The Yellow Wallpaper PDF The Yellow Wallpaper PDF Novel was written by incredible American novelist Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The original title of this novel is: "The Yellow Wallpaper: A Story". This 6000-word short-story was first published in The New England Magazine in the year 1892. You may also Like: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving Overview of PDF Novel: The story ...Read More »
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The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe – PDF eBook
The Fall of the House of Usher PDF is a Thriller Novel that was written by incredible novelist Edgar Allan Poe. This is not a big story. Publishing date of this novel is 1839. This is a very different tale. The hero of this tale is nameless, so we called him narrator. Roderick Usher is a man, who is a ...Read More »
Frankenstein PDF Book Free by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein PDF Novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus PDF is the horror fiction novel that was written by English novelist "Mary Shelley". Writer elaborates the story of Victor Frankenstein, who was a young scientist, he generates a grotesque but then sapient individual in the nonconformist scientific experiment. At the age of eighteen, Shelley started to write the story. In 1818, ...Read More »
Dracula PDF Book by Bram Stoker
Dracula PDF Book Dracula is the PDF novel of Abraham Bram Stoker. He was an Irish novelist and best known for his incredible Gothic novel Dracula (1897). Abraham was born on 8 November 1847 in Clontarf (Republic of Ireland) and died on 20 April 1912 in London (United Kingdom). He marries to Florence Balcombe in 1878. The website of Bram Stoker ...Read More »
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the Horror novel of famous Scottish novelist Robert Louis. He basically published his novel on 5 January 1886 in the United States of America. In 1931, this novel was adapted for the film. The Editor of this novel is "Martin A. Danahay". You Might Like: Treasure Island and Kidnapped The Strange Case PDF ...Read More »


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- Superhumanly acute senses, enhanced strength, speed, agility, stamina, durability, healing, and reflexes.
- Mastery in martial arts styles that belong to no known disciplines.
- Augmented physical attributes as well as a endowed with immunity to mystical attacks and detection in order defeat the Wetiko Virus.
- Senses so powerful that can pick up a prey's scent and memorize tens of thousands of individual ones.
- Carries the power and knowledge of all the past Black Jaguar Ancestors as well as the ability to control the undead.
- Each mystical attack absorbed only serves to strengthen the Black Jaguar
- Comes from a pre-Incan civilization, the Chavin, who had cat-like depictions all over their holy sites.
- Symbol of authority and one's prowess in hunting and battle, as well as an integral part of mythology and a powerful spirit companion for shamans
- Protects the shaman from evil spirits and when they move between the earth and the spirit realm.
In order for the shaman to combat whatever evil forces may be maligning him, or those who rely on the shaman for protection, it is necessary for the shaman to transform himself and crossover to the spirit realm.
The jaguar is often chosen as a nagual because of its strength, for it is necessary that the shaman dominate the spirits, in the same way as a predator dominates its prey.
The jaguar is said to possess the transient ability of moving between worlds because of its comfort in the trees and the water, their ability to hunt as well in the nighttime as in the daytime, and their habit of sleeping in caves, places often associated with the deceased ancestors.
The concept of the transformation of the shaman is well documented in Mesoamerica and South America, and is demonstrated through the prominence of the runauturuncu, and other sculpture illustrating jaguar transformation
Throughout South America the feline is believed to be the alter ego of the shaman.
- Mastery in The Shadow Arts
- Flanked by a wide array of scientists, warriors, and mystics.
- Skilled hunter- tracker-strategist
- Granted the strength and knowledge of every past Black Jaguar.
(n) The ecstatic flight of the shaman;
The taking of one's consciousness and luminous body into non-ordinary reality, into the unknown, the nagual.
This is often done to acquire information, to effect distance healing, or for pleasure.
The journey may include spiritual shapeshifting. Becoming an animal is common.
The spirit separates itself from the body to make flights of vision and materializes in other beings, in a saint, a mountain, an ancient shrine, and so on.
In a series of manifestations in agreement with the charm or spell or place of the task or the symbology of which one is thinking: a lion, tiger, horse, bird, mountain, lagoon, stream, saint, herb, possibly even a demon.
This highly subjective inner experience does not blot out objective conscious perception; all of the five physical senses and a "vision" separated, more remote in the sense that one can look at things that go far beyond the ordinary or that have happened in the past or can happen in the future.
Visionary, ecstatic magical flight is the mark of the true shaman of all times and places.
The shamanic journey is in three phases:
- The shaman sets forth from the realm of the mundane;
- he then journeys to the supernatural and returns.
- Always the passage involves these three destinations or locations . . .
- The shaman travels to the edge of the social order each time he undertakes these journeys.
- He enters non-form, the underlying chaos of the unconceptualized domain which has not yet been made a part of the cosmos by the cultural activity of naming and defining.
- With each crossing over, he gains power, as do all persons who travel to the edges of order, for . . . such contacts with the boundaries of conceptualization are sources of power as well as danger.
- Shamans are liminal people, at the thresholds of form, forever betwixt and between
ayahuasca, ayawaska:
(n) (1) (bot)A kind of liana of the Amazon region; Banisteriopsis caapi. The ayahuasca vine has a grasshopper, a chicua and a snake as its visible mamas.
"The vine of the soul" also referred to as "the vine of the death" and "the vine that connects the world of the living to the world of the dead," this vine being Banisterious Caapi; a plant spirit medicine containing said vine, the chacruna tree leaf, and sometimes several other plants;
Expands the consciousness and integrates mind and body while harmonizing the individual with nature, so it is respectfully addressed as Madre Ayahuasca.
(2) A psychedelic brew made in part from this vine, whose active ingredient is harmine, that allows one to be guided beyond the realms of death. Also called yagé.
Play by the same rules, value the same goal, stay with the game until it's over.
Together we can re-invent the way the world works


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I've been a big fan from the earliest times I took up reading papers seriously. And for a long time, living in England, I could not get the Irish Times. Indeed, what really switched me on to the Internet was those first flickering images of the paper's masthead in the cupboard/study into which I'd sequestered my first connected computer.
Like many in the industry, the Internet was never the outgoing Madame Editor's strongest card. But in her farewell speech, she outlines some of the value of the product she spent much of the last nine years honing:
"I know that there are those, inside and outside The Irish Times , who found me awkward, exacting about our verification processes, keenly aware of our responsibility given our influence – but the guiding light always for me was to produce an independent, quality newspaper.
"The most difficult challenges for any editor are the internal and external threats to our journalism. They range from the mundane, such as operating within our diminished means, which is hugely challenging in the current economic and internet environment, to the daily and incessant demand from diverse interests to control our editorial content.
"I would hope that I will be judged to have stood the line against attempts to fetter and control our independent journalism.
Amen to that Geraldine!
"Journalists like to think that press freedom is all about them. But it is not. It is about the public's right to know; your right as readers and citizens. The freedom of expression, enshrined in the Constitution, is your freedom and we exist to serve your right to know in a democracy."
But it is the Irish Independent that cuts to the real economic challenge facing the new editor and managing director: making quality journalism pay in the new dis-aggregated era:
It is seeking cost reductions of some €2m, which means staff cuts of between 20 and 30 people out of around 420. Last year staff were hit with pay cuts of between 5pc and 20pc.
The newspaper is also fighting falling circulation as the industry copes with the difficult economic environment.
In 2009 — its most recent accounts — The Irish Times Limited booked a €27.9m loss after tax. The company was "not profitable" last year and it has been speculated that that trend has continued into this year.
The good news is that none of their direct rivals have cracked the problem of how to make money from news. But some of the new kids on the block, like journal.ie who are actively and interestingly trying to solve the economic problem, will be well worth watching.
The net is giving rise to a new and complex economics in which ownership both of the means of production and distribution has been cannibalized and redistributed (to the people) for a long time before the industry began to recognize the danger.
This threatens established quality players like the Irish Times (and its real, as opposed to professed, capacity to hold power to account), but it also offers them a complex range of new opportunities.
I can only wish the new editor, Kevin O'Sullivan and his staff, bon voyage…
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty


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For much of its modern history, Cleveland has been a shot-and-a-beer kind of town. But as the city's culinary star has risen, so has the quality of its mixed drinks. You don't need a suit or fancy dress to get into these cocktails bars (though we always commend suiting up) -- just an adventurous palate and an appetite for intoxication.
This Is a Bar on Wheels
Society Lounge
Gateway District
If you can imagine The Strokes playing a party at F. Scott Fitzgerald's house, you'll get a pretty good picture of the vibe at Society. Its mission is to deliver the class of Prohibition-style cocktails crossed with the innovations of 21st-century culinary badassery. You'll find daring experimentation behind the bar -- there was once a drink made with cigar-infused simple syrup -- as well as unusual theatrics: order one of the smoked drinks and you'll be treated to quite a show. In addition to intoxicants, there's a nice "Temperance" menu for the DD in your party: a charcuterie board with the most sophisticated late-night munchies in town; and a cigar selection.
Velvet Tango Room
Ohio City
1996: Cleveland turns 200, the Indians have the best record in the MLB, and a little bar called Velvet Tango Room opens in the no-man's-land between Ohio City and Tremont. There was no guarantee that an upscale, pricey cocktail bar would last more than a month in a gritty, working-class city like mid-'90s Cleveland. But VTR has survived, and thrived, as a bar committed to classically made drinks and a grown-up vibe, even grabbing national attention from Esquire, which named it one of the best bars in America in 2012. You can sway to live jazz every night, enjoy the verdant back patio garden when it's warm, and gain access to the secret back room -- as long as you tip your bartender well.
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
Ohio City
Porco is Cleveland's first Tiki bar since the Kon Tiki closed in 1976 (and -- disclosure here -- the bar where this writer works part-time as a barback). A night at Porco is like the most fun Hawaiian wedding you've never been to. The drinks, known to be some of the best, most inventive in the city, are potent, running the gamut of citrus and tart flavors. The house Mai Tai and its sweeter, more limy cousin, the Martinique, will wash away memories of the watered-down, overpriced disappointment you ordered on your last beach vacation. Listen to your bartenders when they tell you not to order the Concussion, a weekend-killing monstrosity of a drink; share a Scorpion Bowl with some friends instead. If you're wondering what it would be like if it had a theme song, you're in luck: it already does.
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge
Gordon Square
Luxe brings the funk to its hodgepodge setting: exposed brick, cow-patterned booths, bric-a-brac decor. There is a vault -- a literal, old-timey bank vault -- that houses experimental liquor infusions like basil-and-pineapple-infused vodka for the beloved Simplicity cocktail. The results of this creative approach are seasonal cocktails that are so fresh, the staff picks the ingredients from the expansive, nearly tropical patio out back. A summer favorite is a cocktail simply called Heat that combines reposado tequila, simple syrup, and an in-house concoction called "essence of habanero" that gives the drink a reasonable kick of spice. When it gets colder, try stronger concoctions like the Kingston Negroni or the Barbados Manhattan, which bartender Joe Reid says will send "caramel angels singing down your throat."
The Black Pig
Ohio City
Two years ago, The Black Pig moved from Ohio City's main drag on West 25th to an understated red brick building about a block away. It was a move just as symbolic as it was physical: Black Pig has since elevated itself above many of its trend-chasing peers in terms of food and beverage quality. It's a grown-up place to get exquisite, European-influenced food and strong, spirit-forward cocktails. Drinks like Black Lightning take an assertive liquor like Johnnie Walker Black, tease sweetness and nuttiness from it with Luxardo (a cherry liqueur) and Benedictine (an herbal one), and ease the drink's finish with lemon juice (always hand-squeezed, always fresh). These guys love the taste of booze so much that even the house mojito contains a bracing trace of Fernet.
The more you learn about Mahall's, Lakewood's bowling alley/bar/indie concert venue, the weirder and better it gets. It's over 90 years old, making it the oldest bowling alley in Ohio. It serves the best damn fried chicken in Greater Cleveland. It might be haunted. And, perhaps most surprisingly, it can shake up some excellent cocktails. Mahall's goes local and seasonal whenever possible on both the food and cocktail menus. For summer, don't pass up drinks like the refreshing Cucumbersome, a Tom Collins-like concoction with a distinctly vegetable-y twist. Or get your Billy Pilgrim on with the So It Goes, a drink that adds festive grapefruit and Champagne to the bar's already delightful Jalisco Express recipe. Whatever you order, just make sure you bring your bowling shoes.
The Spotted Owl
We at Thrillist Cleveland still aren't convinced The Spotted Owl isn't Satan's own cocktail joint (just look at this fucking stained glass behind the bar). Or maybe the vibe's more Hogwarts than hellish. Either way, The Spotted Owl is worth checking out for the atmosphere alone (did we mention the gate out front? Yeah, it's definitely hell). The drinks at Spotted Owl are complex, well-garnished, and pretty. The Sherry Cobbler is a go-to, and the Pistache, a summer tequila cocktail made with lemon and chocolate, comes highly recommended by the bar staff. If the drinks tend to run a little sweet for your palate, there's a clever beer-and-shot pairing list that pays homage to Cleveland's working-class roots (but with pricier booze).
Gordon Square
In Ancient Greece, Arcadia was a secluded, pastoral region often associated with paradise. In Cleveland, the Arcadian is a Gordon Square bar and restaurant that has been "opening soon" for the past three years. The wait is over now, and the result is an open, contemporary art-like space with polygonal ceiling panels, an indoor-outdoor spice garden, and a cool steel facade that confused the shit out of this writer while trying to enter and exit. The cocktail program, headed by Jeff Rowe of Hodge's, will have you feeling just a little utopian. Try The Road Runner, a mezcal cocktail that drinks like a smoky take on a margarita -- don't brush off the smoked salt on the rim. The Shoreway Soda takes the herbal, damn-near-medicinal flavor of Fernet Branca and brings out its hidden sweetness with a blend of ginger, honey, and coffee flavors. Even in Arcadia, there is death. Or at least Fernet.
Old Brooklyn
Just north of Parma, Old Brooklyn is an underrated Cleveland neighborhood light on chain restaurants and heavy on shot-and-a-beer watering holes. Should you find yourself wanting a classically crafted cocktail -- to say nothing of some delicious Korean-influenced bar fare (the Bulgogi Burger with kimchee is a revelation) -- visit the bar with the most straightforward name of all: Drink. The sign on the door says "Bar and Grill," but the vibe is all lounge: low light, plush couches, Sinatra and his contemporaries on the playlist. You'll find many of the Prohibition-era classics here, but try the South American drinks: pisco sours are an up-and-coming cocktail, and the caipirinha is an explosion of lime with a sweetness that's muted by the earthiness of cachaça. And if you've ever wondered what it would be like if green Chartreuse and Fernet fought on a frothy and sweet egg-white battlefield, go off-menu and order the Industry Sour. The victor of that battle is you.
The Plum Cafe & Kitchen
Ohio City
If your grandmother were a hipster, her house might look something like The Plum Cafe & Kitchen. With its polished white tile and floral-pattern wallpaper, it's a space that's cozy, unassuming, and approachable. Fortunately for the customers, the cocktails are too -- and at $9, eminently affordable. Try a produce-driven wonder like the Oakley, which combines mezcal with beet juice, or a more spirit-driven drink like the Drexler, which joins Columbus' own Watershed gin (Cleveland loves you, Watershed) with three different kinds of vermouth for a strong nose and a smooth, vanilla-and-orange finish. The Bird '86 (they're all named for basketball players, if you haven't picked up on that by now) is a dangerously drinkable cocktail that complicates the sweetness of pineapple and lime with green Chartreuse. In the spirit of casual farm-to-table dining, many drinks are seasonal, so catch them while you can.
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1. Society Lounge2063 East 4th Street, Cleveland
2. The Velvet Tango Room2095 Columbus Rd, Cleveland
3. Porco Lounge & Tiki Room2527 W 25th St, Cleveland
4. Luxe Kitchen & Lounge6605 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
5. The Black Pig2801 Bridge Ave, Cleveland
6. Mahall's13200 Madison Ave, Lakewood
7. The Spotted Owl710 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland
8. Arcadian Food & Drink6416 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
9. Drink. Bar & Grill4250 Pearl Rd, Cleveland
10. The Plum Cafe & Kitchen4133 Lorain Ave, Cleveland
A throwback to more gentlemanly times is found at Society Lounge on East 4th Street, a subterranean cocktail bar aiming to embody the bygone "cafe society" fantasy of journalist Lucius Beebe, a nod to fashionable socializers in New York, Paris and London. A mural of well-dressed bon vivants lines the walls, and a menu of 48 sips, from aperitifs and classics like an 1880s New York sour are joined by proprietary inventions like the Foreign Exchange (rye, stone fruit syrup, lemon, egg white and muddled absinthe-bruleed peaches). Patrons dressed-to-impress are soothed not only by the well-made drinks, but by the crooning sounding from live jazz musicians.
The Velvet Tango Room gets its speakeasy vibe from, well, being located in an actual former speakeasy (the bullet holes in the ceiling remain to this day). Located in an inconspicuous old house, complete with backyard garden, VTR is committed to classic (Old Fashioned, Tom Collins, Sidecar) and modern (Cleveland Rose, Widow's Kiss) cocktails, crafted with loving attention and served up on their own or as part of sampler flights. The name and drink menu alone are worthy to a 1940s film noir; better yet, the bar hosts a live jazz band every weeknight.
Porco is not the gaudy tiki bar you're used to. The bar and back lounge may be adorned with bamboo, faux thatch and jungle prints, but the drinks here defy the sickeningly sweet tropical-drink stereotype. Bartenders decked out in Hawaiian shirts hand craft complex (and very strong) cocktails (Mai Thais, Singapore Slings, Zombies, Painkillers) with a variety of rums, fresh-squeezed fruit juices and house-made syrups. If tiki drinks aren't for you, there's always draft beer from Hawaii's Kona Brewing Co., pork charcuterie plates and panini sandwiches.
This hip destination in Gordon Square offers shareable Mediterranean inspired brunch and dinner plates, plus a myriad of house-made cocktails and boozy libations. Belly up to the bar and order up from a list of experimental offerings, all housed inside a vault -- a literal, old time-y bank vault. Fruity, herbaceous beverages like the basil-and-pineapple-infused vodka Simplicity cocktail taste even better while enjoying a DJ set on Luxe's patio.
This swine-centric spot in Ohio City traffics in French-inspired American classics with beaucoup bacon. The menu changes often and boasts a "weekly pig" section, where a different dish is made with each part of pig from a local farm. Reliable staples such as the house eggs benedict with pate and hollandaise elevate the traditional breakfast standby to heavenly standards. Strong, spirit-forward cocktails are also worth checking out for a night-cap.
At this combination bowling alley, bar, restaurant and concert venue, food, music, beer and bowling become one in an unexpectedly harmonious matrimony. You can find your average bowling alley staples such as burgers, popcorn and pretzels, but this alley's selection of fried chicken and cornbread are what make it a strike. If that weren't enough, here, you can enjoy a cold one after perfecting your curveball while you watch any one of the indie bands on its live music roster.
In Tremont, what was once a Bible factory in the 1800s is now The Spotted Owl, a bar that's both delightfully weird and delightfully blunt. Case in point: The wooden bar is made from the flooring of an old barn, and the tables are made from century-old freezer doors. And there are house rules (women initiate conversation, no using Google to settle arguments, no fighting, no kissing). This isn't the spot to drink beer or wine all night; The Owl's menu shines with its cocktails (particularly the Fish House Punch and the Pomme).
This long-awaited resto and bar serves up buzz-worthy New American fare in dashing, contemporary digs. The Gordon Square outpost offers a nice selection starters (cheese and charcuterie boards, spicy carrot hummus crudité) alongside sustainably harvested raw bar options, wood-fired pizza, and an array of vegan and gluten free plates. The cocktail program, headed by Jeff Rowe of Hodge's, is equally impressive and varied.
Just north of Parma, this straightforward cocktail bar in Old Brooklyn offers simple and satisfying classic cocktails should you find yourself craving a well-crafted Manhattan or Negroni. Korean-inflected bar bites (be sure to check out the Bulgogi burger with kimchee) may seem incongruous with the restaurant's 50s' style drinks, but in tandem they make an inspired pairing.
This bright all-day cafe in Ohio City presents a vegetarian-friendly, sandwich-driven menu in an airy space with exposed brick, light-bearing French windows, and a spacious dine-in backyard. A comparison between the slow-roasted barbecue pork sandwich and the vegan banh mi with hoisin-braised jack fruit proves that equal flavor is imbued into both meat and meatless choices. Interesting cocktails and craft beers complement the food when things more serious (and less vegetarian) in the evening where dishes like catfish nuggets and smoked duck confit and pork sausage Cleveland Cassoulet reign supreme.